1 reply to this topic

[sisterkp]

My husband hit a deer last week. We have full coverage on the car and have already started the claim process. The estimate for the repair is $5100. We only owe $6400. The insurance company says that they pay directly to the repair shop. My question is, Do I have a choice as to whether or not I want to have the car repaired or if I would rather have the insurance company send the check to the lien holder to pay off the car if I can come up with the rest of what we owe? We live in Illinois. Please help.

[Fallen]

I trust you haven't given the repair place the go-head to start repairs.

We can't know what your policy says from here in terms of obligating you to repair or the insurer coughing up on the condition that you repair, but have you asked the insurer to send the check to you for the damage and, if so, what did they say?  If a claims rep said "no", ask them to point to the provision in your contract that says you cannot just get the money and decide not to repair the car.  If they refuse to explain it to you, then *write* to the head of the claims department and ask for an explanation because you can't find anything in your policy that requires X path (send certified mail and show on the letter that a copy went regular mail, fax, however).

If your policy doesn't keep you from doing this, then I'd feel free to file a complaint with the state insurance commission folks.